9781422270738

a whirlwind of prolific production. Employing a lethal blend of talent and tenaciousness, there isn’t a more terrifying sight for defenders in the game today than a hard-charging Mbappé thundering down the pitch with the ball at his feet. Bordering on the impossible to contain, the deadly striker operates with a surgeon’s precision and is an extraordinary finisher with either foot. Able to shrug off contact in the open field and masterfully move in those congested areas around the net, Mbappé creates never-ending chaos for defenders and punishes goalkeepers with his arsenal of slick shot-making skills. SPECIAL SCORER Competing in Ligue 1, the top professional league in France, Mbappé has been equal parts dominant and dynamic, delivering awe-inspiring goals in bundles via pure brilliance. Since 2018, he has led the league in scoring every season. Indicative of his all-around play, Mbappé is terrific at monopolizing the attention of defenses to set up scoring opportunities for teammates, as his league-leading 17 assists during the 2021–2022 season attests. A three-time French Player of the Year selection among his collection of individual accolades, the French star is a passionate team-first competitor whose laser focus has helped his country’s squad hoist some of the biggest trophies in soccer. Along with the World Cup, he sparked France’s run to the 2021 UEFA Nations League title, where Mbappé struck for goals in the semifinals and finals on his way to scooping up the Alipay Top Scorer Trophy for his explosive excellence. FASCINATING FIGURE With a massive and ever-growing following on social media, along with a variety of off-the-pitch interests that include operating his Inspired by KM association that has been doing tremendous work helping children in need, Mbappé has evolved into a true giant of the game and one of the sport’s most fascinating figures.

8

World Class Footballers: Kylian Mbappé